Anoka Moves to Make “Sip-and-Stroll” Permanent: Social District Now Year-Round

Anoka Moves to Make “Sip-and-Stroll” Permanent: Social District Now Year-Round

ANOKA, Minn. — The Anoka City Council has unanimously approved a measure to make the city’s downtown social district a year-round attraction, allowing residents and visitors to continue “sipping and strolling” through the fall, winter, and spring months. The change took effect October 7, following a council vote on October 6.

The council first introduced the ordinance amendment on September 25 and adopted it without debate or dissent during its most recent meeting. The district’s hours will remain 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Anoka Community Development Director Doug Borglund said the year-round expansion reflects the district’s continued success and strong community support.

“With the success of the program in previous years and minimal issues, we and the licensed establishments are ready to open the social district all year long,” Borglund said in an October 7 city release. “This will provide visitors with additional opportunities for sipping and strolling during the fall, winter and spring in downtown Anoka.”

Temporary Closures for Special Events

While the district will now operate throughout the year, it will temporarily close during Anoka’s signature Halloween parades — the Light Up the Night Parade, Big Parade of Little People, and Grande Day Parade. The City Council also retains the authority to approve additional short-term closures for special events when necessary.

From Pilot to Permanent

Anoka’s social district began as a 30-day pilot program in 2023, later expanding to a five-month operation in 2024, which also extended the district boundaries to include the south side of downtown. The 2025 season was originally scheduled to conclude on October 7, but the City Council’s latest decision made the program permanent.

The initiative was made possible through a provision in the 2022 Omnibus Liquor Bill, which granted Anoka the authority to establish a social district. The measure, championed by State Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL–Coon Rapids), made Anoka the first city in Minnesota to adopt the concept.

Since then, other communities have followed Anoka’s lead — Stillwater has received state approval for a social district but has yet to implement it, while Shakopee operates a seasonal version during September, October, and select days in December.

What the Social District Allows

Within the district’s designated downtown boundaries, patrons aged 21 and older may purchase alcoholic beverages from participating licensed establishments and carry them within approved public areas. Drinks must be served in recyclable plastic cups that display the official social district logo.

Participating businesses are required to hold both a liquor license and a social district license, enabling them to serve customers who wish to consume beverages in common spaces such as sidewalks, Riverfront Memorial Park, and streets closed for events.

Participating Businesses

As of 2025, licensed participants in the Anoka Social District include:

• 10K Brewery
• 201 Tavern & Grill
• Ambi Wine Bar
• Anoka Hardware Store
• Anoka Lions Club (special events)
• Billy’s Bar & Grill
• Casa Rio Tex Mex Restaurant
• Club 300 & Nucky’s Speakeasy
• Danno’s Ibiza West
• MaGillycuddy’s
• Serum’s Good Time Emporium
• Wheelhouse

Looking Ahead

City officials say the move to a year-round schedule aims to boost downtown vibrancy and support local businesses beyond the traditional warm-weather months. With minimal public safety concerns reported since its launch, Anoka’s social district continues to serve as a model for other Minnesota cities exploring similar programs.

“The community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Borglund said. “The social district adds to the charm and energy of downtown Anoka, and we’re excited to see it thrive in every season.”

MinneapoliMedia